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Teck Resources slows down operations worldwide

Last Updated Apr 2, 2020 at 1:02 pm MDT

The corporate logo of Teck Resources Limited. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

Teck Resources Ltd. announced a temporarily slow-down of operations and reduced crews at its steelmaking coal and Highland Valley Copper operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some crew reductions are up to 50 per cent.

The company also suspended its 2020 financial guidance.

Teck, which took these steps beginning on March 25, said the period will last for at least two weeks and then be re-evaluated.

It says all employees available for work will continue to be paid as normal during the initial two-week period.

Teck Resources is a partner with Suncor’s Base Plant operations at Fort Hills.

Suncor Communications representative, Erin Rees said their partners made no formal discussions for a full shutdown.

“As part of our due diligence, Suncor, as the operator of Fort Hills and the other owners, looked at a number of options and made the decision to reduce to a one train operation.”

Rees said a full shutdown requires unanimous approval, and there is no decision to move to a shutdown.

Teck’s total production at its steelmaking coal and Highland Valley operations is expected to be reduced on average to about 80 to 85 per cent of normal levels during the initial two-week period.

Teck says it has also temporarily reduced the number of employees at its Trail, B.C., operations by one third while continuing to operate at planned production levels.

Production at its Red Dog mine in Alaska remains at planned levels, while its Antamina mine in Peru continues to operate at full production levels with less than half of the normal workforce.

The company says its Carmen de Andacollo operation in Chile remains at full production with a reduced workforce, while construction at its Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project in Chile has been suspended.

This report includes excerpts from the Canadian Press.